ATTITUDE

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians

Read Philippians 2

     Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 NIV

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     Paul continues his words of exhortation for unity in the church at Philippi. These new believers have trusted in Christ for their salvation and are growing in faith. He reminds them that they don’t have to do it in their own strength: “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” (13-16)

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     Lord, I praise You for the gift of Your Spirit to help me to will and act according to Your purpose. Forgive me when I complain or argue, and give me the encouraging, uplifting words of life that will shine like stars in the darkness.

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    " If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."    Philippians 2:1-2 NIV

TO LIVE IS CHRIST

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians

Read Philippians 1

     I always pray with joy… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.      Philippians 1:4b, 6 NIV

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     Paul begins his letter to the church at Philippi with a word of confidence in their growing maturity. He knows that they will face persecution and struggles from without and within. He warns, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then...I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.”(1:27)

     He tells them that the hardships he has suffered, including his imprisonment, have served to further the spreading of the gospel. Though his very life has been threatened he says, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (1:20-21)

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     Lord, You are the One who will accomplish Your purpose in our lives. We are simply vessels in Your hands, being molded for the master’s use. Help me to be confident and willing to place my future in Your hands, not worrying, but trusting in You to use me for Your glory.

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     “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more, ... that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

BE STRONG IN THE LORD

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Ephesians

Read Ephesians 6

     Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.    Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV

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     Paul concludes his letter by reminding them that it is no small adversary that they face. Satan then as now, wages war against Christ and His Church. He tells them and us to be prepared “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (6:12)

     Our preparation will be in knowing God’s Word and putting it into practice in our lives. "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (6:14-15)

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     Lord, I know that we are no match for our enemy, the Devil. But I also know that You are greater than anything He can throw at us in this life. Help me to be diligent in preparing my soul through the reading of Your Word. Give me the gift of faith, as You have promised, to always trust and obey.

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     "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."     Ephesians 6:16-17 NIV

WALK IN LOVE

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Ephesians

 Read Ephesians 5

     Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.    Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

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     In this letter, Paul encourages the members of the Ephesian church to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (4:32)
     He goes on to warn of the false teachers who were saying that it doesn’t matter how we live now that we are Christians. He urges them, “for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (5:8-11)

     “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,” he writes, “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (5:19-20)

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     Lord, I am so thankful for Your kindness and compassion towards us. Help me to forgive others just as I have been forgiven. Help us to be faithful today to carry the light of your gospel to those who do not know you and encouragement in God's Word to those who do.

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     Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.    Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV